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November Is German Literature Month

Bilingual Rammstein fans: Who wants to grant me (and so many English-speaking fans) a wish and review In stillen Nächten: Gedichte in English, with some explanations of a few of Till Lindemann's choice multiple-entendres? If so, post a link to your review in the comments, and I will promote it all over the internets!

Because I just finished reading the 19th century German novel Ekkehard: A Tale of the Tenth Century, and because I have not been this excited about a book in a very long time, I will be participating in the celebration of German literature by posting a review of Ekkehard on November 5.

The copy of Ekkehard that I located through my extended library network was printed in 1895, rebound in the 1960s, stripped of its steamiest illustration at an unknown time and for unknown reasons, and last checked out of the library when I was a fetus. It was written by Herman Scheffel, who wandered through the ruins of the castle and monasteries where the characters lived, and who read the writings of the characters and their companions from their own hands, which had been preserved for a thousand years.

This book turned out to be a goldmine of historical research, cultural reconstruction, dry wit, and rich setting and character that has helped me move along in my own story about people of a similar time and place. I am so excited to share it next month! Join me on November 5.

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